Jin, the eldest member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, has successfully completed his mandatory 18-month military service in South Korea. This milestone makes him the first among the seven-member band to fulfill this national duty.
On Wednesday, Jin, dressed in a military camouflage uniform and a black beret, exited the military base in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province. His fellow bandmates—J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—were there to greet him with warm hugs and a bouquet of flowers, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
RM, who is currently serving in a military brass band, played BTS’s hit song “Dynamite” on a saxophone to celebrate Jin’s return. The emotional reunion was a touching moment for both the band members and their fans.
Following his discharge, Jin appeared on a live stream on the Korean social platform Weverse. He shared his experiences and emotions, mentioning that the last year and a half were enjoyable and that he met many amazing people during his service. He also admitted to shedding tears during the discharge ceremony.
The stock price of Hybe, the entertainment company managing BTS, saw a slight increase, reflecting the positive sentiment surrounding Jin’s return. The stock rose more than 1% in morning trading before settling at $144 (KRW 199,100), up 0.56% from the previous day.
Jin’s completion of his military service marks a significant moment for BTS. The remaining members—RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook—began their mandatory service in December. By mid-2025, all seven members are expected to have completed their service, paving the way for a highly anticipated reunion. Hybe has tentatively set 2025 as the year for the group’s comeback.
Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 35 are required to serve in the military for 18 to 21 months, depending on the branch of service. Jin’s journey through this mandatory service has been closely followed by fans and media alike.
On the day of his discharge, Korean media outlets, including Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), streamed live footage of Jin hugging his fellow soldiers and posing for cameras. The scene was a testament to the strong bond between Jin and his comrades.
In October 2022, BTS performed a massive free concert titled “Yet to Come” in Busan, South Korea. The event supported the city’s bid for the 2030 World Expo and attracted fans from around the world. Shortly after the concert, Big Hit Music, a subsidiary of Hybe Corp., announced that all seven members would fulfill their military service, stating it was the perfect time for them to serve their country.
Before enlisting, Jin released a solo single titled “The Astronaut.” In a video message to fans, he asked them to wait a bit longer and promised to start working hard soon. His return marks the beginning of a new chapter for both him and BTS.
BTS, which debuted in 2013, has achieved global superstardom, earning No. 1 singles in over 100 countries and amassing millions of followers on social media. The group’s influence and popularity have made their military service a topic of significant interest both in South Korea and internationally.
Under a bill passed in 2020, South Koreans who excel in popular culture and art can defer their mandatory military service until the age of 30. Jin, being the oldest member of BTS, was the first to enlist and has now completed his service, joining the ranks of approximately 560,000 army troops in South Korea.
As BTS fans eagerly await the group’s reunion in 2025, Jin’s return from military service is a moment of celebration and anticipation. The band’s journey continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and their future endeavors are highly anticipated.
